How to Write a Specification for Carpets in Hospitality Projects

How to Write a Specification for Carpets in Hospitality Projects

Chosing Materials for Projects Guide 2 months ago

How to Write a Carpet Specification for Hospitality Projects: A Comprehensive Guide for Interior Designers

Introduction

Carpets are a key element in hospitality design, offering a balance of aesthetics, comfort, and functionality. They contribute to the overall guest experience, enhancing acoustics, safety, and thermal insulation. A well-prepared carpet specification ensures that the chosen product aligns with the specific needs of different hospitality spaces, from high-traffic hotel corridors to luxurious suites.

Proper specifications also guarantee compliance with U.S. (ASTM, NFPA) and European (EN, ISO) safety and sustainability standards, ensuring fire resistance, durability, and environmental responsibility.

This guide covers the essential technical aspects of hospitality carpet specifications, including material selection, pile height, backing options, weight (grams per square meter or gsm), acoustic performance, fire safety, and sustainability. Whether designing a five-star hotel lobby or a budget-friendly guest room, understanding these factors ensures the best performance and longevity of your carpet selection.

Why Choose Carpets Over Hard Flooring in Hospitality?

Carpets offer several advantages over hard surfaces in hospitality environments:

  • Acoustic Performance – Absorbs sound, reducing noise levels in busy spaces like corridors, lobbies, and dining areas.

  • Comfort – Creates a soft and inviting feel, making guest rooms more welcoming.

  • Safety – Reduces slip hazards and cushions falls, especially in staircases and entrances.

  • Sustainability – Many modern carpets use recycled materials and improve energy efficiency by enhancing insulation.

Key Technical Specifications for Hospitality Carpets

1. Material Composition

The choice of material determines a carpet’s durability, comfort, and maintenance needs:

  • 100% Wool – Luxurious, naturally fire-resistant, and durable. Ideal for high-end hotels.

  • 100% Nylon – High stain resistance and durability, making it perfect for high-traffic areas.

  • 80/20 Wool-Nylon Blend – Balances wool’s softness with nylon’s strength, offering both luxury and performance.

  • Polypropylene (Olefin) – Budget-friendly and moisture-resistant but less durable than nylon.

  • Solution-Dyed Nylon – Superior stain resistance and vibrant colour retention, suitable for restaurants and bars.

2. Pile Construction, Height, and Density

Pile construction affects durability, comfort, and visual appeal.

Pile Construction Types:

  • Cut Pile – Soft and plush, ideal for guest rooms and lounges.

  • Loop Pile – Highly durable and hides wear, making it suitable for corridors and staircases.

  • Cut-and-Loop Pile – Adds texture and pattern, commonly used in lobbies and restaurants.

Pile Height Recommendations:

  • High-traffic areas (corridors, lobbies): 6–8 mm (0.24–0.31 inches)

  • Moderate-traffic areas (guest rooms): 8–10 mm (0.31–0.39 inches)

Density Recommendations:

  • High-traffic areas: ≥ 5,500 tufts per square inch

  • Moderate-traffic areas: ≥ 4,500 tufts per square inch

Weight (Grams per Square Meter - GSM):

  • High-traffic areas: 1,200–1,800 gsm

  • Moderate-traffic areas: 900–1,200 gsm

3. Backing Options

The carpet backing affects durability, stability, and acoustic performance.

  • ActionBac – Cost-effective and stable, ideal for staircases and corridors.

  • Cushion Backing – Enhances underfoot comfort and sound insulation, suitable for guest rooms.

  • Acoustic Backing – Maximises sound insulation, making it ideal for conference rooms and lobbies.

  • PVC-Free Backing – Environmentally friendly and sustainable for eco-conscious projects.

4. Acoustic Performance

Noise control is critical in hospitality environments, particularly in hotels where guest comfort is paramount.

  • Noise Reduction Coefficient (NRC): 0.25–0.40 is ideal for hospitality carpets.

  • Underlay Thickness: 6–10 mm (0.24–0.39 inches) improves sound absorption.

Compliance Standards:

  • ISO 354 (Europe): Measures acoustic absorption.

  • ASTM C423 (U.S.): Tests sound absorption performance.

5. Fire and Safety Standards

Fire compliance is essential in public spaces to ensure guest safety.

U.S. Fire Standards:

  • ASTM E648: Measures flame spread.

    • Class I (Required for lobbies, corridors, and stairwells).

    • Class II (Suitable for guest rooms).

  • NFPA 101: Ensures fire resistance and smoke suppression.

European Fire Standards:

  • EN 13501-1: Fire classification system.

    • Cfl-s1 (Required for lobbies and corridors).

    • Dfl-s1 (Suitable for guest rooms).

  • ISO 9239-1: Tests flame spread and heat release.

6. Sustainability and Health Considerations

Eco-friendly carpets are a priority in modern hospitality design.

Sustainability Certifications:

  • U.S.: Green Label Plus (low VOC emissions), LEED credits.

  • Europe: Cradle to Cradle, BREEAM compliance.

Eco-Friendly Features:

  • Recycled Content: Look for 20–40% recycled fibres or backing.

  • Low-VOC Adhesives: Compliant with SCAQMD Rule 1168 (U.S.) and EN ISO 16000 (Europe).

Best Practice Carpet Specifications for Hospitality Spaces

1. Hotel Lobby Carpet

  • Material: 80% Wool, 20% Nylon Blend

  • Pile Construction: Cut-and-Loop Pile

  • Pile Height: 10 mm (0.39 inches)

  • Density: 5,500 tufts per square inch

  • Weight: 1,600 gsm

  • Backing: Acoustic-Optimised Cushion Backing

  • Fire Rating: ASTM E648 Class I (U.S.), EN 13501-1 Cfl-s1 (Europe)

  • Acoustic Performance: NRC ≥ 0.35

2. Guest Room Carpet

  • Material: 100% Solution-Dyed Nylon

  • Pile Height: 8–10 mm (0.31–0.39 inches)

  • Density: 4,800 tufts per square inch

  • Weight: 1,200 gsm

  • Backing: Cushion Backing

  • Fire Rating: ASTM E648 Class II (U.S.), EN 13501-1 Dfl-s1 (Europe)

3. Bar and Restaurant Carpet

  • Material: 100% Solution-Dyed Nylon

  • Pile Height: 6–8 mm (0.24–0.31 inches)

  • Density: 4,500 tufts per square inch

  • Weight: 1,100 gsm

  • Backing: PVC-Free Woven Backing

  • Fire Rating: ASTM E648 Class II (U.S.), EN 13501-1 Dfl-s1 (Europe)

4. Corridor and Staircase Carpet

  • Material: 100% Solution-Dyed Nylon

  • Pile Height: 6 mm (0.24 inches)

  • Density: 5,500 tufts per square inch

  • Weight: 1,200 gsm

  • Backing: ActionBac

  • Fire Rating: ASTM E648 Class I (U.S.), EN 13501-1 Cfl-s1 (Europe)

Conclusion

A well-defined carpet specification ensures that hospitality spaces meet design, durability, and safety standards. By carefully selecting materials, pile construction, and backing options while ensuring compliance with fire and sustainability regulations, interior designers can create beautiful, functional, and long-lasting hospitality environments.

Q&A

Q: What are the key factors to consider when specifying hospitality carpets?

A: Key factors include material composition, pile height, density (gsm), backing type, fire compliance, acoustic properties, and sustainability. Each factor ensures that the carpet meets durability, comfort, and regulatory standards.

Q: Which materials are best for high-traffic hospitality areas?

A: Solution-dyed nylon and 80/20 wool-nylon blends are ideal for high-traffic spaces like hotel lobbies and corridors due to their durability, stain resistance, and fire compliance.

Q: What fire standards should hospitality carpets meet?

A: In the U.S., carpets must comply with ASTM E648 (Class I for corridors, Class II for guest rooms) and NFPA 101. In Europe, carpets should meet EN 13501-1 (Cfl-s1 for public areas, Dfl-s1 for guest rooms) and ISO 9239-1 for flame spread testing.

Q: How do carpets improve acoustics in hospitality spaces?

A: Carpets with high-density pile and acoustic backing absorb sound, reducing noise transfer between floors and rooms. Noise Reduction Coefficient (NRC) of 0.25–0.40 is recommended for hotel lobbies, conference rooms, and corridors.

Q: What sustainability certifications should I look for in hospitality carpets?

A: Look for Green Label Plus, LEED, Cradle to Cradle, or BREEAM certifications. Opt for carpets made with 20–40% recycled materials and low-VOC adhesives to ensure eco-friendly design compliance.

Q: What is the best carpet pile height for different hospitality spaces?

A:

  • Lobbies & corridors: 6–8 mm (0.24–0.31 inches) for durability.

  • Guest rooms: 8–10 mm (0.31–0.39 inches) for added comfort.

  • Bars & restaurants: 6–8 mm (0.24–0.31 inches) for easy maintenance.